Homebrewing. Any experts?

[Paul ™]

Seen a couple of bubbles this morning, but not much happening. I guess it takes a couple of days to start noticing much change?

[mikeb]

I'm considering getting a still.

[t8yman]

What do you mean a still ?

[eFestivals]

you do know that distilling is illegal, don't you?

[t8yman]

just about to put this little baby on.

[t8yman]

you do know that distilling is illegal, don't you?

[eFestivals]

And you know why it's illegal don't you? And no, it's not the tax the govt is missing out on.

If you've got a barn hundreds of yards from anything else then go for it. Otherwise, buy everyone nearby tin hats and make sure they always wear them.

[t8yman]

yeah I know, but the tech has moved on a bit in recent years

[eFestivals]

yeah I know, but the tech has moved on a bit in recent years

I doubt all those who've died at the exploding stills in the UK in recent months would agree with you.

Surely you've read about those incidents?

[t8yman]

I doubt all those who've died at the exploding stills in the UK in recent months would agree with you.

Surely you've read about those incidents?

[t8yman]

anyway, Ive put the "Better Brew" IPA on, and its a thick one, OG of 1040, which I think is the highest I have had so far.

[Paul ™]

I spoke to soon, went up to check it.. temp still sitting about 21 and bubbles occasionally coming out the airlock.. exciting

[t8yman]

ive always found that the highest period of activity is between hours 24 and 72.

[t8yman]

Playing with fire

Not the best idea

[Paul ™]

ive always found that the highest period of activity is between hours 24 and 72.

[Paul ™]

So it's been on 5 days fermenting, so decided to take a hydrometer reading tonight.

It is now reading 1.004 so all is going well so far. Going to leave it another 4-5 days then take 2 readings a day apart to make sure it's ready to transfer to the 2nd FV then leave it a few days again before bottling.

[Paul ™]

You only need to take two readings the same, a day apart to confirm fermentation over...

1.004 is really low... You sure that is correct? Water is 1.000. Test your hydrometer is some water to make sure it's working.

I would guess you are there now if its right. My beer has never got under 1.010.

[Paul ™]

Will do, yeah I meant "take 2 readings a day apart".. not 2 on 2 days

[t8yman]

my water is below 1, I'm sure of it. well below 1. nearer .9 if I read it correctly?

[t8yman]

I'll double check it when I get home, i wasnt really paying much attention tbh. but when I do a brew and the instructions say SG should be around 1036, it always is correct. we have mega mega hard water over here though.

Ill check later and post a piccy.

[Paul ™]

Few updates on my blog, basically transfered over to the secondary FV for a few days then transfer it back for batch priming then bottling

http://paultrademark.blogspot.com/

[Paul ™]

Apparently it helps the cider clear from something I read and been advised on the forum.

But at the moment the 2nd FV I have without the tap doesn't have an airlock on it either so need to either do the two transfers or get an airlock fitted to that FV to use for the first stage.

To be honest, it didn't take that long anyway so wasn't really a chore.

[Paul ™]

Bottled it!

[Paul ™]

You can drink it after they have been put into chilled climate around a week later. But better to wait 3 weeks and longer if possible. Cider gets better over time anyway

[t8yman]

I must admit I am board of kits... I am finding they don't quite have the kick in flavour and strength that I want. I can't get very powerful hop tastes or deep powerful malty tastes. Its all a bit lacking. Would be interested in how you find your cider.